5 Reasons You Need an Attorney for Your Divorce
Nov. 14, 2023
A DIY divorce sounds less expensive than a traditional divorce. After all, hiring a divorce attorney is costly, right? The truth is, there are several disadvantages to a DIY divorce, and if you choose to go that route, you may find yourself with more challenges and a slower overall process. This decision should not be made lightly as it can impact your financial future. The Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, is here to help you make an informed decision.
Consider these reasons to avoid the DIY divorce route.
1. An Attorney Knows What You Should Really Expect Out of Your Divorce
What are you entitled to when you divorce your spouse? Should you expect alimony or spousal support? How much child support are you entitled to based on the number of children you have, their ages, and their needs? With an attorney on your side, you will have a better idea of how to split your assets fairly and how you can safely protect your assets as much as possible during the divorce process. Ultimately, that may mean you walk away with more money than you would have if you'd handled the divorce independently.
2. Even an Amicable Divorce Can Result in Emotional Decisions
Divorce can quickly become fraught with emotion, even when you and your spouse are on the same page about ending your marriage. It may surprise you what you get emotional about – holidays you hadn't realized you wanted to spend with the kids, for example, or possessions you didn't realize were important to you until you tried to split your assets. That often leads to emotion-laden decisions and frustration with your former partner.
With an attorney on your side, you can navigate that process more objectively. An attorney can help you determine, for example, how to best split your assets, how to protect the things that matter most to you, and how to ensure that you do not miss out on funds you would be entitled to as a result of an emotional decision.
3. You Need Someone on Your Side
Even if your spouse is generally agreeable, they're working in their own best interests throughout the divorce process. They want to protect their assets, ensure they get the time with the kids they were expecting, and avoid as many snarls as possible as they navigate this change. You need someone on your side who will help you fight to protect your best interests. This is especially true if your spouse is working with an attorney since that will mean they go into the decision-making process fully informed.
4. You May Actually End up Spending More on Your Divorce if You Try to Do It Yourself
Hiring an attorney may sound like the most expensive part of your divorce up front, but the reality is there are a number of hidden costs that can crop up throughout the process, increasing your costs and leaving you floundering financially. Having an attorney can help you avoid repeat court appearances or filing fees, which can further drain your savings. There are several factors that can complicate a divorce. Matters like child support have specific guidelines, while asset division requires thorough investigation.
5. An Attorney Can Save You Time During the Divorce Process
Time is a valuable thing to waste. Handling all the ins and outs of a divorce can be incredibly time-consuming. It is important to understand that as a self-represented litigant, you will still be held to the same standards as a practicing attorney—understanding the rules of evidence or the local rules of the particular county. The clerks cannot give you legal advice or assist you through the process.
Trying to do it yourself can make the process take even longer. Not only can that mean longer before your divorce is finalized, but it may also mean that you end up struggling to find time to rebuild your life as you separate from your spouse. Conversely, an attorney can handle many of those tasks on your behalf, streamlining the divorce process and protecting your valuable time.
Get in Touch to Learn How an Attorney Can Help With Your Divorce
If you're ready to start the divorce process or have already separated from your spouse but realized that divorce may be more complicated than anticipated, it's time to get the help you need. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of working with a divorce attorney.